Saturday, July 9, 2011

light and shadow

dear emily,

as  i watch the dark shadows steal across the valley, i'm tempted
to assign them a malignant motive.  their corresponding clouds
might 'rain on' my lupine trail hike.  on the other hand, they could
bring sweet relief from the penetrating sun.  

i can understand God as light but often struggle with the shadow
part.

do you remember baby jessica, the 18 month old who fell into
an eight inch well?  she spent two days in that dark shaft, while
the rest of the world watched in horror.  at one point her only
hope was from a man born without collar bones.  his question
"why was i born like this?" was answered by a baby girl.

were his frameless shoulders light or shadow?

many turn from their Creator, because they cannot reconcile
tragedy with His sovereignty or mercy.   why do bad things
happen to good people?  i certainly don't know, because i wasn't
there when He "laid the earth's foundation. . . while the morning
stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy." (job 38)



i cringe and cower at life's dark moments but have found that
questioning the Lord's motives to be futile.  that approach seems
childlike to philosophers and wise men, but from my baby eyes i
have seen and learned wondrous things.   the shadows are often
my place of refuge.  (psalm 91)

love,
lea

43 comments:

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

~~~ beautiful

Dawn said...

Lea, I think I've been commenting on every single one of your posts. You have such a humble heart. I love your reflections.

Town and Country House said...

Beautiful post, Lea. I'm learning not "it is what it is," but rather "He is who He is."

Farm Girl said...

A very reflective post, dear Lea, You voice things I have pondered for years. Why does God through His permissive will move if you will, His loving hand and allow things for my good and His glory? He sees the beginning from the end and knows that in those times of darkness, His love becomes the brightest light.
When I have been on my knees,in the darkness, and my prayer can only be Oh God, Oh God, then as a Mother comforts her child, God's word begins to flood my soul, and then I know, He is good and He is Love, and I am restored.
Lovely picture by the way.
There are always rainbows after a storm.

myletterstoemily said...

dawn, i so appreciate every kind comment
you make. thank you.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

and there you have it... His ways are not our ways, and He is not confined to our small brains. THANK GOD!!!

Loved this Lea, just loved it. Miss you.

xo

Rattus Scribus said...

Lea,
I have often asked the same questions of faith. Of FAITH, because in the end we DON'T know "why the shadows?" We just learn to trust that God is good and merciful and his plan ultimately redemptive. Thanks for the meditation. Thanks also for visiting old Rattus.
Ruben

Patrinas Pencil said...

WOW! That was a short power packed piece of wisdom.

loved it!

Joan Elizabeth said...

As trouble seemed to pile on trouble recently I lay in bed reflecting on Job and was comforted. God's hand is in everything ... we just don't see what's going on behind the scenes. Your post puts this so well.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I do remember Jessica...this also addresses my heavy heart after the accident at the ball park the other night, leaving a six year old boy without a Daddy, after the Dad fell to his death trying to catch a ball tossed to him by Josh Hamilton. As tears have come in shared grief over this I have felt the words you wrote deeply.

See here is another entry into that book you should be writing. Blessings and my the Lord continue to refresh and pour from you His truths.

Rebecca Nelson said...

Yes...I agree with Town and Country mom...HE IS WHO HE IS~

Beautiful heart you have Miss Lea~

xoRebecca

Vee said...

It seems like the ultimate test of faith and maturity, courage and tenacity to learn how to find solace in the shadows. I am still learning. (Your summer must be filled to overflowing. Wonderful!)

Jeanette Levellie said...

You are one wise lady. Thanks for reminding me of Baby Jessica. I remember that story, and how we held our breath for her to be rescued.

I found your blog from Janna Quallman. Signing up to follow...

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

If you'd yell..."Can I get a witness?"
I'd give you an AMEN!

xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Crown of Beauty said...

Dear Lea,
It's been a while since I last dropped by your blog place.

What heart stirring words you have written here.

A few months ago while attending the Elijah House School for Prayer Ministry, one of our teachers said that in a season of extreme darkness and seeming hopelessness, the Lord gently spoke these words to here: "One day, when you reach heaven, I will explain everything to you, and you will understand."

Those words were enough to speak the much needed hope, albeit just a ray, into her heart. And she gained the strength to rise up again and move on.

This post reminds me very much of those words that Jesus spoke to our teacher.

Thank you, dear Lea.

Love
Lidj

Felisol said...

A strong testimony, not easily achieved.
To read it is one thing, but to embrace it with ones heart is quite something else.
I think I too easily try to tell God what to do and what I need.
He knows it all on beforehand. e has created me and numbered my days before even one of them had begun.
I truly believe that too.
It's the only thing making reason.
Thanks for sharing and for a good remember.

Besides I find the verse about the creation so incredible beautiful and poetic.
"7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
That alone is worth a book.

Rachel said...

So beautiful said. I haven't "figured out" the answers when questioning God why I lost my hearing. Or why my son has kidney disease or why... But God can ALWAYS bring something good. I can trust Him.

And it's taught me, "don't waste the hard stuff".

Thank you again for posting this.

Susan B said...

A beautiful post Lea. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful and thought provoking post Lea. Have a blessed week. Mildred

More Than Words said...

Beautiful post!!

colbymarshall said...

Hi- am visiting over from Janna's "Something She Wrote"--is there a link to a post where I can see what your letters to emily are since I'm new to reading your blog? I'd love to catch up on your story. I wasn't able to find it in your bio, etc.

Stacy @ The Next-to-Nothing House said...

Just a beautiful post, Lea. The first time I visited I knew I would want to return often. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such kind words.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Hi Lea

this, I believe, is my favorite post of all you've written. Light and shadow grip all our hearts and while asking "why" is acceptable...did not Christ on the cross ask the same?... I choose to not stay there but travel forward secure in the safety of His righteous hands. Life is so hard, so difficult and questions abound but even as difficult as our journey now, it's nothing compared to some. He has promised never to leave nor forsake and I cling to His promises. What else is there?

Gloria said...

Dear Lea,

I have been reading a very helpful book God has led me to: finding hope in life's losses...Beyond the Valley, by Dave Branon (offered through: Our Daily Bread). It has been a great reminder to me that God is the Almighty One...:) Your post is a great reminder of that today as well. Thanks for sharing from your heart!

That is such an amazing and beautiful photo. Did you take it? :) LOve it!!

Blessings for a lovely summer!

xoxo...Gloria

Cheri Bunch said...

A beautiful post, Lea! Beautiful!!! I remember Jessica very well. Wonder where she is now?

I started a book today that I know you would enjoy. It is called "In the Face of Surrender" by Richard Wurmbrand. I just started it today and it has me spellbound. You would be blessed.

Do you attend She Speaks in North Carolina? Just wondering . . .

Our first grandbaby is due in a few days. Just can't stop grinning!!!

Sweet blessings to you!!!
Cheri

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

BEautiful writing as always.....your words inspire me

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

BEautiful writing as always.....your words inspire me

Tamara said...

Love the post Lea! Did you get the "check in the mail"???

Hugz,
Tamara

myletterstoemily said...

ha! yes, i did.

Lisa said...

A beautifully thoughtful post, Lea.:)

Anne Lyken-Garner said...

This is so lovely. I learned not to question God ages ago in my youth. He always has a plan we cannot see.

Southern Lady said...

Lea, you always have a way of saying just the right thing. What a beautiful post! Carla

Grammy said...

Thank you, Lea for your reflections. I think we need the shadows in order to appreciate the sunshine, don't you? I would really love to have some rain right now. Here in Northern Texas we have had ten or eleven straight days in the hundreds and expect more to come. I love reading your comments on life around you. Ruby

Rosie said...

Oh Lea...You ALWAYS seem to offer up a TALL glass of what my thirsty heart needs. It is pointless to second guess God...but I still do it...and am sure He just smiles and shakes His head, knowing that FINALLY I will see the BIG picture. (or maybe NOT) Grateful He is patient and loving and overlooks my simple mind. Wishing you a H*A*P*P*Y Wednesday dear one.
xoxox Rosie

HeARTworks said...

It's always difficult to understand why God allows the shadows sometimes. But I believe that one day when we see Him face to face, it will all be clear, and we will see how it was all done in love, for our good, so that we will bloom. Patsy from
HeARTworks

His Song to Sing said...

Appreciate your perspective and thoughtful words this morning, Lea. I've missed you!

Unknown said...

We just never do know how God will use those hard things in our lives, do we?! But, He has a plan and in all things He will work them together for good.

Jen said...

What a wonderful thought, especially as it seems the dark days have set in here. Your post has been most encouraging!

Jen

Debbie said...

Hi Lea, I found your blog thru a friend of a friend on fb. I was looking to send a message of thanks for your hospitality over the July 4th week. Thanks for inviting my little "bear" to share your new mountain home. I have enjoyed reading some of your posts. Thanks for the smiles and chuckles..You have a talent for finding the inspirations in day to day living! Thanks again!

Cinnamon said...

Hello~ I love your post! I could relate to this so well!!

I have a letter sitting here...actually it's been sitting here for over a month :-) Grace wrote Sunday a thank you note but she threw away the envelope away with your address on it. Is is possible to get that again? You can leave it in the comments section and I just won't post it if you'd like.

You don't have to post this since it's just to you and I'm rambling :-)

I am still waiting for my handsome husband to come home!!! He's one state away and I can't go see him. Talk about hard!


~Cinnamon

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and convicting ... I must spend the day embracing the shadows. Thank you.

Debbie Petras said...

So many tragedies in this world. I well remember baby Jessica who has since grown up. And these days I hear all about the tragedy that has occurred in Norway. Why do bad things happen? We live in a world that has been greatly impacted by sin. I long for the day when there will be no more tears and when I shall see God face to face. But in the meantime, I persevere in my faith as I rest in His finished work. I can live in the shadows of this world with His presence in me. He provides me with His love to share with others.

Blessings and love,
Debbie

Anonymous said...

A very enlightening post, Lea. Wishing you a restful evening.